Getting to Know Your New Spurs #2: Tiago Splitter
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 14, 2010 7:39 PM CDT
in Analysis
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PrintThe Only Thing You Need to Know:
Just kidding. Sort of.
The wait is finally over. The most anticipated Spur ever™ is finally going to suit up in silver and black. The Man, the Myth, the Brazilian...The Splitter. But what makes him so great? Why does PtR (and every other Spurs related website for that matter,) become giddy at the idea of him starting next to Timmeh? Why does that condiment packet refuse to open when you need it the most? These answers and more below.
The Basics
- 25 years old
- 6'11"; wingspan of 7'2"; standing reach of 9'1.5"
- Weighs ~240 lbs
Tiago Splitter was drafted by the Spurs in 2007 with pick #28 (first round). Through a number of situations, Tiago and the Spurs decided it might have been best to allow him to develop overseas before he joined the NBA. And man, did he develop. When the Spurs drafted him, in the ACB he averaged 10.7 points, 6 rebounds in ~29 minutes. During the 2009-2010 season, Tiago averaged 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, in the same amount of time of 29 minutes. He improved by 5 points and nearly 1 rebound.
Will his stats in the ACB translate over to the NBA? That's a question we can answer in about a years time. What I can tell you is that during the FIBA game versus the USA, he scored 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. That game should have given you a teeny-tiny glimpse of what to expect.
Bizarro Splitter
The importance of Tiago goes way beyond the numbers. Tiago is a beast. No, not THE BEAST™. Well, I take that back. He's like THE BEAST™ but he's the Bizarro BEAST™. DeJuan pounds the boards, but flounders on defense. Tiago is a defensive minded player--a Spur, if you would. Quoting McDonald, "Defensively is where Splitter shone brightest, both physically and intellectually. His pick-and-roll defense -- an area of concern for the Spurs last season -- was superb. His soaring block of Russell Westbrook, meanwhile, hinted at Splitter's athleticism. Splitter was also good defending Lamar Odom in one-on-one situations."
Selfless player
It's worth noting that while he has won the ACB championship, ACB MVP, a spot on the Brazilian national team, and an NBA contract all in one summer, it hasn't gone to his head. During the news conference where he was signed on July 12th, 2010, he was quoted to say "I told R.C. (Buford) and Pop (Gregg Popovich), when I started wearing 21 it was because I love the way Tim Duncan plays. He was one of my idols." Oh, Tiago, where have you been all my life?
Obligatory YouTube Highlights
Tiago Splitter Brazilian - White power mix (via PalomoLv)
Tiago Splitter Video (via eric4029)
How Tiago Splitter will fit with the San Antonio Spurs (via aamcneill)
Tiago Splitter interviewed by KENS-5 news (via Guillermo21071)
Oh, and if you're still wondering about the condiment packet...just use scissors you dummy!
For Your Health™
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Comments
Hah. Great first vid. I’m reccing you softly because of that.
I predict that Tiago will eventually be 2/3rds as good as Scola. :)
I smell death... everywhere.
I think better then 2/3 but maybe not statically. If he fits the system, plays smart on offense and defense (everyone seems to like his pick and roll on both sides of the ball) and stays tall i think he will be great for us. He has a great attitude and wants to work and prove himself, which are huge pluses
I admit im optimistic but im just excited about how much of an upgrade he will be for us the next few years even if hes only 2/3 of Scola. He basically is taking Theo’s roster spot from last year so this is a huge upgrade in that regard
not statically
Gosh, I hope not statically. I don’t think Splitter is static at all… from what little I’ve seen, he runs the fast break well (esp. for a big), is very active on defense, and his footwork and moves inside are quite, well, dynamic imho.
Or did you mean static as in static cling, attracting defending double-teams like so much lint?!
I’m jus’ funnin’ ya… I know what you meant. :)
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 20, 2010 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
its true i should proof read my posts…so much to say leaves so little time to edit :P
i hope the quality of my thoughts isn’t compromised by my spelling grammar and typing
I shoulda written I have no problem with the quality of your thoughts… they are first-rate and I agree with each of your points.
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 21, 2010 2:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Especially the bit about staying tall. I really hope Master Splitter is able to make that happen.
Seriously though, sf, no one means any harm by replying to what you’ve posted versus what you meant. It’s just part of the fun we like to have around here. Please don’t be offended, as no one at PtR is above being called out. And who knows, maybe sometime soon one of your own submissions will end up in The Lexicon.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
ty jrw… well put.
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 21, 2010 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I don’t get it!
Scola averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds playing 24.7 minutes in his rookie year.
In his third year (2010) he improved by almost 6 points and almost 2 rebounds and playing 8 minutes more. He averages 16 and 8.6 in 32. That’s really good considering he was the Rockets’ only option down low without Yao. Blair averaged 7.8 and 6.4 in 18 minutes in his rookie season while Duncan was our bread and butter.
So saying that Tiago will never be better than Scola is like putting a low ceiling that he might break very soon. How about we compare Tiago to Scola from 3 years ago.
Oh and Scola is 30 and Tiago is 25.
I think we have a thing for the one that got away or something lol.
BUT IF IT IS AN ARGENTINIAN THING THEN FINE.
by SaSleepless on Sep 14, 2010 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions
i agree
and i hope that he gets 24min a game but it might end up being less
Tiago could/should have a better first season then Scola (again if he gets the mins) but maybe doesn’t have the ceiling that Scola has. What he does have is better size for the pf-c spot. Like with Blair, you cant teach height. If Blair was 3inches taller he would be amazing, but he isn’t.
Blair like Scola is a very good player but he has to work hard to get there being a 6-7 PF For match ups and defense height matters. if Houston plays LA in the playoffs this year you’ll hear a lot about LA’s size and how thats an advantage. Even though i doubt Tiago will play better the Scola this year, his size helps alot.
If Tiago comes in and does all the little things, pick and roll on off and def,l plays good position defense and knows where to be in the spurs system (the things that dont always show up in the box score) and has 2/3 of Scola’s stats i don’t think he would be only “2/3 as good” In the end Tiago might end up being a better player but i think in general since he hasn’t played 1 game yet people want to scale down the hope/optimism. I doubt it but he could also become a huge let down, something at this point we know Scola isn’t
Scola is a known entity and is expected to have his best year this year.
and it is an ARGENTINIAN THING. They play really hard and with passion and know what they are doing. Im not saying Tiago doesn’t, but we want to see it first before we say so.
So far he looks good and is saying all the right things and with a great attitude (very spur like) so i hope he is awesome for us
Exactly. Scola is 6’9, 30 years old, and not a particularly speedy big man. Tiago is 6’11, 25 years old, and very agile for his height. And what he doesn’t bring on the offensive end he will more than make up for it on the defensive end.
by slipstream21 on Sep 15, 2010 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I think for LD it has to do with Scola being his countryman. Brazilians are a tight group.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Did anyone watch the world championships? Scola doesnt average more points in the NBA just because they dont give him the fuckin ball. That’s what happens when you play alongside Brroks/Martin/Ariza(now gone). And that wont change much with Yao back /at least until he breaks something on the 12th game).
Seriously, Tiago is noticeably better on defense, but Scola just DESTROYS him offensively. Rebounding they are very equal, and maybe Scola is a bit better.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Just by the numbers it does seem like Scola would be a better rebounder. I know that Scola utterly dominated the Worlds but would you have expected that type of performance 5 years ago? I think it is too early to tell what is the ceiling for Tiago on offense. (Disclaimer: I have no clue what I am talking about)
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
For the record, Scola has basically been the same player for 8 years now. He’s as regular as they come.
I smell death... everywhere.
He averaged 36 points per 48 in 2010 and 27 points per 48 in 2006. The difference might be accounted for by Gino being the main guy in 2006 but it is possible that it has something to do with Scola’s development.
"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG
Really? The world ? He was amazing but again they played small ball with him as their only option offensively. He should’ve averaged more points with the rockets imo.
Again, I’m not saying he isn’t good but I’m saying that he’s not timmi compared to tiago.
by SaSleepless on Sep 15, 2010 9:21 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You ain’t never lied Chilai on that note. Brooks is a gunner and isn’t as great as they made the guy out to be. George Hill or somebody else should’ve won the most improved player award. It is easy for your scoring average to jump if you are taking almost double the amount of shots. Plus his field goal percentage isn’t that great. He shoots well from three though so that is one plus. Scola would’ve at least averaged closer to twenty if they feed him more. I think Tiago will be a better fit for this Spurs team because he will hopefully bring a better defensive presence. Hopefully Tiago will learn a few back to the basket moves from Tim this year
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 16, 2010 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Who cares about offense, right? Defense wins championships. ’Nuff said.
"We choose to go to the moon... and do the other things, not only because they are easy, but because they are hard." - JFK
by silverandblack_davis on Sep 18, 2010 8:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I am not amused.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. ~ CMoney
I am happy. I am proud. ~ Manu Ginobili
by bellasa on Sep 14, 2010 10:16 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
…white power mix?
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Sep 15, 2010 7:07 AM CDT reply actions
I’m not too sure on that title either but the highlights are great.
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 15, 2010 7:28 AM CDT up reply actions
the guy is from Europe – it’s not the same connotation as it has for people in US – at least as far as I can tell.
the guy’s not a racist – read the posts uner his clip – he says he is fine with everyone – it’s like Bonner being Ginger Power – we are just too caught up in our recent history in the US to let shit like that go
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 15, 2010 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Most Anticipated Spur Ever?
I would expect that both Tim and David were more anticipated. If you figure that having to wait increases the anticipation, don’t forget the wait for David to finish his Naval commitment.
“Most Anticipated Spur Ever”—>MASE—>Mason…? Let’s hope not, but my eyes just caught that for some reason.
Kind of like how the word “bed” looks like a bed.
"Rip it and grip it!" -Kevin Costner
by The Augustus on Sep 15, 2010 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Just use a gardenhose, Dummy!
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
For Your Health
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 15, 2010 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I love the fact that Mr. Robinson served for two years before joining the Spurs. I know the rules with regard to professional athletic opportunities have changed over the years, and they waived 3 years of his service, but I still love this, and the fact that he was the best gymnast in his class at 6’-7"!
With all due respect, gentlemen, we're not as crazy as she is.
yep – and he is so gifted at so many different areas, he is a genius
"The A-Train deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 16, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Epic dub work, c-deck. Well done.
"We choose to go to the moon... and do the other things, not only because they are easy, but because they are hard." - JFK
by silverandblack_davis on Sep 16, 2010 8:41 AM CDT reply actions
thanks :]
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 16, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Great stuff, Deck.
To say that this post was in your wheelhouse might be a possible PtR Understatement of the Month, but regardless, you knocked it out of the park.
Well done, and rec’d to the 28th pick.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
PtR meme overload!
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 16, 2010 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
He’s got some nifty — even sneaky — low post moves that I hope to see more of… and man is he tenacious! I can see either him or Blair gobbling up every defensive board and triggering a fast break.
Mostly, I like the way he moves… on defense, without the ball, and in the PnR. Smooth and sure-footed, especially for a big man. And his passing will be a treat to watch.
Hey, if posting a sharp, insightful, yet non-sarcastic comment were that easy, even olf would do it.
by freshtunarightofftheboat on Sep 17, 2010 4:46 PM CDT reply actions
The few Brazilian national team games I watched didn’t really impress me as far as his offensive moves. I am hoping that he does have more moves than I’ve seen but I like the way he plays defense and how he does roll and finish when they did pick and roll “O”
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 17, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
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